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Illuminating Moments That Matter

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Loretto Chapel

Nestled in historic Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Loretto Chapel (also known as the Chapel of Our Lady of Light) is a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture in the American Southwest. Commissioned in 1873 and completed in 1878 under architect Projectus Mouly (with earlier planning by Antoine Mouly), the chapel features stone walls, soaring arches, and stained-glass windows imported from France.

What truly sets Loretto apart—and makes it a beloved subject for photographers—is its legendary helix-shaped spiral staircase (often called the “Miraculous Staircase”). The staircase climbs about 20 feet in two full turns, without a central support column, which has fueled wonder, speculation, and legend. Local lore holds that after divine pleas (a novena to St. Joseph), a mysterious stranger appeared, built the staircase with minimal tools, then vanished, never collecting payment. Over time, researchers have proposed that a French carpenter named François-Jean “Rochas” was the likely builder, though the “miraculous” narrative remains deeply woven into the chapel’s identity.

For photography, Loretto offers:

  • Dramatic angles & contrasts — the spiral’s sweeping curves juxtaposed with the chapel’s vertical lines and stonework
  • Play of light — colored light from stained glass filtering across the staircase and chapel interior
  • Intimate detail — fine woodwork, joinery, balustrades, and the craftsmanship in shadow
  • Mood & story — the staircase itself tells a visual legend: mystery, faith, engineering, and artistry

Today the chapel is no longer used for regular worship but serves as a museum and event space, most notably weddings, and is privately operated for preservation and public viewing.

The Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a Gothic Revival landmark built in the late 1800s. Its façade is marked by a rose window and pointed arches, crowned by a statue above. Known for its legendary ‘miraculous staircase,’ the chapel remains one of Santa Fe’s most photographed historic treasures.
Framed by adobe walls and desert sky, the Loretto Chapel rises in quiet contrast – Gothic stone set against the heart of Santa Fe Loretto Chapel located in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Loretto Chapel seen from the garden path; its Gothic arches and tall windows rising quietly among desert trees and stone.
At the peak of the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe stands a statue of the Virgin Mary, represented here as Our Lady of Lourdes. Holding a rosary and hands folded in prayer, she reflects the French influence of the Sisters of Loretto who built the chapel in the 1870s, watching over the city with quiet grace.
A close view of the Virgin Mary, represented as Our Lady of Lourdes, atop the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe. The folds of her robe, the rosary beads, and the calm expression are captured in fine detail; brought into focus with the long zoom of the Nikon P950, which reveals what is often hidden high above.
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Sacred Heart of Jesus; a reminder of love, mercy, and eternal light.
At the front stands the altar, with the statues and stained glass above.
Our Lady of Grace, a symbol of peace, purity, and compassion, guiding hearts with quiet strength.
Saint Joseph holds the child Jesus. Long honored as the carpenter and protector, he stands here as guardian of the Church.
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The Loretto Chapel staircase rises in two perfect turns. Built in the 1870s by an unknown carpenter, it stands without nails or center support. Many believe it was the work of Saint Joseph.
From this side the staircase shows its full curve, rising without nails or center beam. It has stood since the 1870s, a work many call miraculous.
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These are Stations of the Cross sculptures. A Catholic devotion that follows Christ’s Passion from condemnation to crucifixion. Each station marks a moment of his suffering on the way to Calvary. These are only a few photographed.
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Christ on the cross. The weight of the world nailed in wood and iron.
Crucifixes have stood at the heart of Catholic churches for centuries. They are placed above or near the altar to keep the sacrifice of Christ before the faithful. The figure of Christ, often detailed with the crown of thorns, the nails, and the marks of suffering, reminds us all of the passion and the promise of God’s love and salvation.
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Saint Catherine of Alexandria was a 4th-century Christian martyr. Tradition says she defied the Roman emperor, was condemned to die on a spiked wheel, but the wheel broke at her touch. She was later beheaded. The wheel became her symbol, along with the palm of martyrdom, and she has been honored in stained glass and art for centuries.
Not all stained glass in chapels depicts saints or biblical scenes. Many windows use geometric and floral designs, common in 19th-century Gothic Revival churches. These patterns reflect the order of creation, beauty in symmetry, and bring color and light into the sanctuary even without figures.
In Christian art, each of the four Gospel writers is given a symbol from Ezekiel’s vision: Matthew (angel), Mark (lion), Luke (ox), and John (eagle). Stained glass windows often use these images to teach faith to the faithful and to mark the unity of the Gospels.